Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

Detroit Pistons could get steal of NBA draft with Tyrese Haliburton at No. 4 pick overall

This is the third edition of the Free Press’ weekly Tankathon series, where Omari Sankofa II projects the top 10 of the 2020 NBA draft based on one spin of the tankathon.com lottery simulator. The Detroit Pistons have the fifth-best lottery odds, with a 10.5% chance at the No. 1 overall pick.

We’re 3-for-3 so far on the Pistons moving up, which is interesting considering the franchise has never actually moved up before. With the fifth-best odds, they actually have a greater chance of moving down (55.6%) than up (42.1%). Tankathon has been very kind to them.

Who am I to question fate? Maybe it’s a good omen. Maybe I’m burning through all of their good luck. Time will tell. Let’s get to it.

Minnesota selected another shooting guard No. 6 overall last year in Jarrett Culver, but Edwards appears to be a better prospect. He’s more athletic and has a much higher offensive ceiling. He could create a fun backcourt pairing alongside Russell.

2. Chicago Bulls — LaMelo Ball, G, Illawarra

Like Minnesota, the Bulls would go back-to-back drafts using lottery picks at the same position if they were to select Ball. Also like Minnesota, their 2020 pick would be an overall better prospect than their 2019 pick.

Coby White showed flashes in Chicago this season, but is he a true lead guard? His ability to heat up as a scorer, along with his limitations as a passer, is reminiscent of Ben Gordon. Ball looks like a longtime starting NBA point guard, at least, and would give the Bulls an electric backcourt with Zach Lavine.

Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries:

3. Golden State Warriors — James Wiseman, C, Memphis

On paper, this fit is just about perfect. Center has consistently been the weakest position group for this team through its championship run. Wiseman — a 7-footer with a 7-6 wingspan and elite upside as a shot blocker and rim-runner — projects as the best center in this draft.

If nothing else, the Warriors are a perfect fit for Wiseman. He only played three games for Memphis before being suspended, and subsequently withdrawing from the school. Joining a healthy Golden State team would allow him to grow into his role and play to his strengths as he acclimates to the NBA.

4. Detroit Pistons — Tyrese Haliburton, G, Iowa State

Full disclosure — I might be a little higher on Haliburton than some. But I think he has one of the highest floors in the lottery. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists last season. He’s an elite, ambidextrous passer and strong ball-handler. He shot the ball efficiently despite being the lone option for a mediocre Iowa State team. He even has great size, standing 6-5 with a 7-foot wingspan. What’s not to like?

There are question makers about his athleticism and funky shooting motion, but I think they’re overblown. He can improve his form. His ball-handling and footwork can compensate for his lack of burst. You can’t teach size or feel, and Haliburton has both. The Pistons need a point guard, and a good argument can be made for Haliburton being the most talented player at this point of the draft.

Okongwu has the tools to be an elite defensive player, and also has upside as a scorer and passer. He was highly effective at the rim this season. He’s a tad undersized at 6-9, but his overall skill set should enable him to succeed anyway.

6. Atlanta Hawks — Isaac Okoro, G, Auburn

The Hawks have added a lot of young talent during the last few drafts — Trae Young, John Collins, Cam Reddish, De’Andre Hunter and Kevin Huerter. Okoro, possibly the best wing defender in the draft, compliments Young well. At this point in the draft, teams can probably get away with drafting for fit over pure talent. Okoro isn’t a strong shooter, but if he develops his shot he has a chance to emerge as the best two-way player in the lottery.

7. New York Knicks — Killian Hayes, G, Ulm

For the second consecutive week, the Knicks land Hayes and find their point guard of the future. Hayes possesses strong upside as a passer and scorer. He’s developing as a ball-handler and has a nice offensive arsenal. He isn’t an elite athlete and is much better with his left hand than his right, which limits him some. But alongside last year’s No. 3 pick, R.J. Barrett, New York would have a talented backcourt to build around.

Dayton Flyers forward Obi Toppin (1) reacts at the foul line against the Duquesne Dukes during the first half at PPG Paints Arena. Dayton won 73-69.(Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

8. Charlotte Hornets — Obi Toppin, F, Dayton

Charlotte has a glaring need for a center. Toppin isn’t necessarily that, but he can shore up their big rotation. He’s an extremely versatile offensive player who could be a fun addition to their Devonte Graham-Terry Rozier backcourt.

9. Washington Wizards — Devin Vassell, G/F, Florida State

John Wall, who inked an extension in 2017 and is rehabbing an Achilles injury, is signed through 2023. It remains to be seen how he’ll look post-injury. Bradley Beal will be a free agent in 2021. They have a handful of young players who seem likely to stick around in the NBA. What’s the long-term plan for them?

Taking a player like Vassell, both a strong shooter and defender, makes sense. He can play next to Beal or Wall and is just a good, smart player.

10. Phoenix Suns — Tyrese Maxey, G, Kentucky

Ricky Rubio was solid for the Suns last season, but he may not be the answer at point guard. Maxey is a tough, slashing point guard and strong defender who makes sense next to Devin Booker.